Workplace Ergonomics – Injury Prevention Through Ergonomics

Duration: Offered as a 90 minute webinar or 2 days in class

Course Overview

The human body is a fragile system, and we put many demands on it every day. Activities like reaching to get supplies off of a shelf, sitting in front of a computer for hours every day, and moving heavy products around the shop can all take a toll on our bodies. In this course, you will learn how to make your environment as ergonomic as possible in order to make daily tasks easier on your body and mind.

Learning Objectives

  • Define ergonomics and its related terms
  • Identify where to get ergonomics information for your region
  • Identify how ergonomics can be incorporated into your workplace
  • Assess your environment for ergonomic hazards, create ways to resolve those issues, and plan for implementation
  • Review and evaluate your ergonomic efforts
  • Use change management techniques effectively
  • Describe the basic principles of ergonomics
  • Outline ergonomic practices for sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
  • Design an ergonomic workstation
  • Identify important ergonomic features of tools and machines
  • Understand the role that environmental factors (such as sound, air quality, and light) play in ergonomics

Course Outline

1. Course Overview

2. Getting Started

  • What is Ergonomics?
  • Legislation and Regulatory Bodies

3. The Role of Ergonomics in Your Workplace

  • A Plan for Everyone
  • Case Studies

4. The Ergonomic Assessment Cycle

5. Identifying and Assessing Ergonomic Hazards

  • How to Identify Ergonomic Hazards
  • An Assessment Toolkit
  • Case Study: The Acme Widget Company

6. Developing a Plan to Address Ergonomic Issues

  • Three Key Methods
  • Categorizing

7. Identifying and Implementing Solutions

  • Where to Find Ideas?
  • Making Connections

8. Obtaining Employee Buy-In

  • Change Management 101
  • Insights

9. Tips for Successful Implementation

10. Reviewing Your Ergonomics Program

11. Basic Ergonomic Principles

12. Optimal Sitting and Standing

  • Best Practices for Sitting
  • Best Practices for Standing
  • Identifying Areas for Improvement

13. Safe Lifting and Transporting

  • Lifting Safely
  • Transporting Materials Safely

14. Ergonomic Workstations

  • Overview
  • Making Connections

15. Safe Tool Selection and Use

  • Safe Tool Design
  • Making Connections
  • Vibration Considerations

16. Creating an Ergonomic Environment

  • See the Light!
  • Breathe the Air!
  • Hear the Sounds!

17. Bringing It All Together

18. Personal Action Plan